2024 Mobility 21 Summit is Sold Out!

Thank you to our attendees and sponsors – the 2024 Summit is sold out!

PLAN YOUR DAY

  • Hear from more than 60 General and Breakout Session speakers.
  • Network in our expo hall with more than 100 exhibitors, including our vehicle display.
  • View the conference agenda and choose the Breakout Sessions you want to attend.
  • Check out our Hospitality Suite in the Expo Hall for a place to charge your electronics, play retro arcade games and lounge in a quiet space.
  • Complimentary wifi is available throughout the Summit.
  • Don’t forget to bring business cards!

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Kristin Decas
CEO & Port Director
Port of Hueneme

A proven leader, Kristin Decas repeatedly demonstrates her ability to build a vision and implement strategy through open, collaborative processes that foster results. Since beginning her tenure with the Port of Hueneme in February 2012, the Port has realized several successes. Tonnage totals reached significant new milestones with cargo growing from 1.3 million tons in FY 2012 to over 2.3 million tons in FY 2023, marking the Port’s strongest sustained trade years since its inception in 1937. With cargo up 80% since Kristin took the helm, revenues have grown an impressive 133%. Known for its niche in automobiles, bananas, fresh fruit, fertilizer, high and heavy, and project cargo, Port of Hueneme’s trade-related activities generate $2.8 billion in annual economic impacts, this represents more than a 250% increase since 2012. Trade through the Port spurs 24,997 direct, indirect, induced, and influenced jobs and $236 million in state and local tax revenues, increases of 144% and 342%, respectively, over 2012 performance.

Kristin’s leadership has brought millions of dollars to the Port in grant funding. Most recent successes include securing a historic $80 million Port Freight and Infrastructure Program grant funding through the FY23 Governor’s Budget for projects aimed at generating economic growth, significant environmental and innovative progress, and social equity. Also on her watch, the Port secured a $11.9 million Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant from the Ventura County Transportation Commission, a $5 million grant from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, and a $5 million state earmark to implement innovative technologies and build zero-emission infrastructure improvement projects. During her tenure, the Port also received over $1,000,000 from the EPA for Community Air Quality Monitoring and shoreside power projects, over $7.5 million from the California Air Resources Board grant for zero-emission equipment and infrastructure, a $12.3 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER), and approximately $6.5 million federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants. She also worked with the finance team on putting together a complex $15 million New Market Tax Credit deal to help fund berth electrification projects.

Kristin championed the Port’s first annual Banana Festival drawing over 12,000 visitors each year. In 2019 and 2020 the festival was replaced with “Feeding the Frontline” events during the pandemic which leveraged Port customers, small business owners, volunteers, and local health clinics to bring over 1.5 million lbs. of produce and other resources to 50,000 families in Ventura County.

Through Kristin’s leadership, the Port of Hueneme initiated its environmental framework which has led to the development of world-class air quality monitoring in South Oxnard. Another milestone under Kristin, the Port was the first California port to receive Green Marine Certification in California and earn the title of the Greenest Port in the United States at the Green Shipping Summit in 2017.

Prior to coming to the Port of Hueneme, Kristin served as CEO and Port Director at the Port of New Bedford, MA, the nation’s number one value fishing Port. Under her leadership, the Port realized significant growth in port development, cruise, and recreational boating activity. Kristin is recognized by Trade Administration officials for her impressive work in leveraging economic development through international trade promotion and for her service on several federal shipping and port committees. From 2015 through 2019, Kristin served as the President of the California Association of Port

Authorities (CAPA) representing California’s 11 deep water ports, providing educational leadership and advocacy on issues related to transportation, trade, the environment, land use, energy, and other subjects affecting port operations. Kristin was awarded high-profile appointments by the U.S. Department of Transportation to both the National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) and the U.S. Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC). In 2015, Kristin served as The National Chairperson of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), a trade association representing more than 130 public port authorities in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Kristin was the first woman to lead the Port of New Bedford in its more than 50-year history and the Port of Hueneme in its 87-year history. She was the 4th woman to chair the Association of American Port Authorities in 112 years.

In 2022 and 2024, Kristin was named one of Pacific Coast Business Times’ Most Influential People and by the same publication since 2015, she has been named in the top 50 businesswomen for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Kristin was a Woman of the Year Recipient given by State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson and Assemblymember Monique Limon in 2019. In 2017, Kristin was named Maritime Executive of the Year at the Green Shipping Summit USA, acknowledged as Top Port Director of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), and was named Outstanding Woman of the Year in International Trade by Women in Transportation – Los Angeles Chapter (WIT-LA). Kristin also made the list for the Pacific Coast Business Times 2017 “Who’s Who” in Business Leadership. In 2016, Kristin was recognized by Worldwide Branding as a Top Female Executive. Kristin received Woman of the Year from the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce in 2014.

Kristin also supports her community by serving as the current Chair of the Economic Development Collaborative Executive Board. She lives in Oxnard, CA, with her husband and is the proud mother of two daughters.

Mobility 21 Advisory Board Member Spotlight:
Mario H. Orso, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
SANDAG

As the CEO of SANDAG, Mario Orso brings a wealth of knowledge and passion in leading the agency to deliver more than 200 projects across the San Diego region that improve mobility, equity, safety, and our economy.

Mario oversees the agency’s $1.2 billion annual budget, implements policies set by its Board of Directors, and leads a staff of more than 400 professionals who plan, implement, and build regional solutions.

With more than 30 years of transportation planning experience, Mario is dedicated to successfully building teams, delivering major infrastructure projects, and bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars to serve the San Diego region.

Prior to joining SANDAG in 2024, Mario held several leadership positions with Caltrans District 11 in San Diego and Imperial counties as Chief Deputy Director, Corridor Project Director for the South County and Trade Corridors, the district’s First Native American Liaison, and Intergovernmental Review Branch Chief. In 2023, he was appointed Acting Caltrans District 12 Director in Orange County.

Mario holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from San Diego State University, a certificate in Project Management from Sacramento State University, and is a licensed professional engineer in the State of California.

Summit Titanium Sponsor Spotlight:
HDR

Rising to the Challenge:
The Cyprus Shores Emergency Stabilization Project

High tides, swells, and an ancient landslide in San Clemente converged to jeopardize the coastal rail tracks, posing substantial risks to public safety and residential properties, and disrupting rail traffic. The urgency of the situation spurred the Cyprus Shores Emergency Stabilization Project, a complex undertaking aimed at safeguarding this vital corridor of strategic military significance.

The project was led by HDR, under the visionary leadership of SCRRA/Metrolink and in close collaboration with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Together, they embarked on a monumental task: to stabilize the vulnerable rail tracks that are not only essential for regional transit but also play a critical role in the U.S. economy and national defense. The stabilization effort was no small feat; it involved the installation of over 20,000 tons of riprap – large rocks strategically placed to absorb and deflect the energy of the waves – along with 110 concrete grade beams and 220 tiebacks drilled deep into the slope.

With innovation and sustainability at its core, the project offered long-term solutions that would restore the connection between neighborhoods and elevate basic transportation infrastructure. Recognized with a 2024 Honor Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies, HDR is proud to be a key contributor to this project’s success.

Current Squid Operations at the Port of Hueneme are Set to Move to a New Location at the Ventura Harbor.

Two Ventura County Ports Drive Innovative Solution to Improve Trade

Following the exciting announcement of a $16 million sub-award from the California State Transportation Agency’s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP) grant, the Ventura Port District and the Port of Hueneme are set to commence the next phase of the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project.
The PFIP grant, awarded to the Port of Hueneme last year for its PACED (Port Action, Climate, and Environmental) Program, is part of the $1.2 billion one-time funding initiative by the California State Legislature and is targeted for projects that enhance the capacity, safety, efficiency, and resilience of goods movement through California’s maritime ports, while also focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the impact on adjacent communities.

“These funds are coming from the State of California, and I would be remiss for not thanking CalSTA for including this project as one of the projects being funded by the Port and Freight Infrastructure Program,” said Ventura Port District General Manager, Brian D. Pendleton. “I would like to thank the Port of Hueneme for providing the opportunity to pursue this partnership grant for these synergies between our agencies.”

While Ventura Harbor does not directly move goods, the relocation of the Port of Hueneme’s commercial fishing facilities to Ventura Harbor will enhance cargo efficiency at the Port of Hueneme.

The Board of Port Commissioners for the Port of Hueneme approved the agreement on Monday, July 15, 2024, followed by the Ventura Port District’s Board’s approval on Wednesday, July 19, 2024. This partnership exemplifies a shared vision for enhancing the economic vitality and infrastructure of Ventura County’s waterfront.

“The Port of Hueneme expresses its deepest appreciation to the Ventura Port District, CalSTA, and all parties involved in securing this pivotal grant,” said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District. “We are poised to embark on a transformative journey by improving goods movement at the Port of Hueneme and enhancing Ventura Harbor’s role as a vital component of California’s maritime industry.”

Squid Operations Located at the Port of Hueneme.

With the sub-award agreement approved, the next steps involve the Ventura Port District and the Port of Hueneme working closely to procure environmental review and engineering design services.

“I would like to express my thanks to the team for pulling this project together,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director for the Port of Hueneme. “Both agencies fully embraced this vision for a project that was mutually beneficial.”

Local squid operations. (Photo Credit: Dan Harding)

In January 2023, the Oxnard Harbor District (which owns the Port of Hueneme) extended an invitation to the Ventura Port District to join as a sub-applicant in the PFIP grant application for the relocation of the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project to fund the modernization of Ventura Harbor’s commercial fish offloading facilities. This project is pivotal in improving cargo efficiency at the Port of Hueneme by relocating its commercial fishing activities to Ventura Harbor and deconflicting the backland cargo area of the Port of Hueneme. At the same time, the grant will fund the development of a brand-new facility, designed to improve and increase the squid landing capacity including absorbing the fish offloading activities transitioning from the Port of Hueneme, which will keep commerce and jobs in the region. The project underscores both agencies’ commitment to ensuring Ventura County remains a competitive and thriving hub for commercial fishing and increased cargo commerce.

Mike Blumenberg, Ventura Port District Chair of the Board, said it is important to include the Commercial Fish Landing Modernization Project as part of the District’s upcoming public workshop on September 14 which will include a focus on business continuity and ensuring the project is completed within the timeframe of the grant.

“I am thrilled that the Port of Hueneme reached out to us and give us the opportunity to work together,” Blumenberg said. “Let’s preserve our local stakeholders – the fishing industry – and preserve our local businesses and coordinate to move forward.”

About Ventura Port District: The Ventura Port District is dedicated to maintaining a safe and navigable harbor while promoting a vibrant and sustainable seaside destination. Through strategic initiatives focused on economic development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, the District fosters a thriving harbor community for residents, fishermen, tourists, and the environment. About the Port of Hueneme: The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit. www.portofh.org

Federal, state, city and Port of Long Beach Officials Celebrated the Groundbreaking for America’s Green Gateway – the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility – a $1.57 Billion Project that Will Bring New Efficiency, Speed and Sustainability to Cargo Flow Through the Port Complex. Pictured from Left are Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Port of Long Beach Chief Operating Officer; Long Beach Harbor Commissioner Sharon L. Weissman; Long Beach Councilmember Kristina Duggan, 3rd District; Long Beach Councilmember Roberto Uranga, 7th District; Mark Tollefson, Undersecretary, California State Transportation Agency; Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr.; Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson; U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; U.S. Rep. Dr. Robert Garcia, California 42nd District; Long Beach Councilmember Megan Kerr, 5th District; Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero; Patricia Aguirre, Board Secretary, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 63; Long Beach Harbor Commission Vice President Bonnie Lowenthal; Long Beach Harbor Commissioner Steven Neal; Long Beach Councilmember Al Austin, 8th District; Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker, 15th District.

‘A Good Day for Long Beach and the American Economy’:
Buttigieg Hails the Port of Long Beach’s America’s Green Gateway Project

A who’s who of those with a stake in the future of U.S. cargo movement gathered at the Port of Long Beach in July, when U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and officials from across the country attended a historic ceremonial groundbreaking for America’s Green Gateway, the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility.

But the story of the event marking the start of construction of the $1.567 billion project began in the fall of 2021.

The United States was in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Roosevelt Room of the White House, President Joe Biden huddled with Buttigieg, Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero and other supply chain leaders to grapple with a disoriented supply chain. Bottlenecks choked inland distribution points, threatening chaos for seaports moving supplies desperately needed by citizens locked down at home or fighting the virus.

“We all remember those images from that time when grocery store shelves were short of everything from ground beef to toilet paper,” Buttigieg said.Part of the solutions that came out of the crisis was a generational commitment from local, state and federal governments to investing in critical infrastructure projects like the Pier B, which will double the footprint of the existing rail yard from 82 acres to 171 acres. Pier B will be built in phases, each enhancing cargo movement, with construction scheduled for completion by 2032. The project will more than triple the Port’s capacity for on-dock rail to 4.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year. On-dock rail cargo is moved directly to and from marine terminals by trains, reducing emissions and stress on the local and regional road network.

To date, America’s Green Gateway has won $643 million in grant funding from federal, state and local transportation agencies for the project. The federal government alone has awarded $404.1 million, while the state of California has invested $228.8 million and Los Angeles County $10 million.

“The Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility will add 130,000 feet of new tracks, build 36 new support tracks and more than double the number of trains leaving the Port to 17 per day,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “These improvements will benefit the entire U.S. supply chain and get us closer to the operational and environmental transformation into a zero-emissions port.”

Currently, about 20% of cargo comes and goes through the San Pedro Bay complex via on-dock rail. The Pier B facility is critical to helping the ports boost on-dock rail use to 35%, toward achieving their larger goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from port-related sources to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

Plans call for the project to be built in 12 segments, starting with the design, contracting and construction of the first five stages. They are the locomotive facility; westward expansion of the existing site and realignment of Pier B Street; eastward expansion of the site; relocation of a Los Angeles County flood control pump station; and widening the Dominguez Channel Bridge to accommodate a third track. Throughout, the work will involve reconfiguring city streets for better traffic flow and repositioning utilities.

America’s Green Gateway is the long-awaited centerpiece of a series of improvements the Port has been making to its rail network. Over the last four years alone, which coincided with the height of the global pandemic, the Port completed the double-track project from Pier G to Pier J, the fourth track at Ocean Boulevard, and the on-dock rail yard at Middle Harbor operated by Long Beach Container Terminal. The latter has the capacity to handle 1 million TEUs.

The Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility will also bring considerable economic benefits. During construction, the project will create an estimated 1,135 jobs. When completed, the new facility will lower the cost of doing business for shippers, which will attract more cargo to Long Beach and generate additional permanent jobs.

There was a lot to celebrate about the project and the substantial benefits it enables for the national supply chain.

“More velocity, more capacity, less congestion, less pollution, less delay,” Buttigieg said. “That is a win, win, win, win, win, and I’m delighted to celebrate it with you.”

Elected officials weigh in on America’s Green Gateway

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for California by modernizing the ports that power our economy, enhancing the reliability and capacity of rail operations, and creating good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). “This funding is a win for our economy and our environment. The Port of Long Beach’s on-dock rail expansion project will slash emissions and reduce air pollution in near-port communities while creating a more efficient gateway into our national supply chain.”

“This project is a homerun for good jobs, clean air, and a strong supply chain,” said U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach. “As Mayor, we worked to electrify and green our port, and this major investment will do just that. In Congress, we have fought for this project every single day, and I’m grateful to President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for investing in Long Beach and the region.”

“This project exemplifies our work to create jobs, cut pollution, eliminate bottlenecks and build a more dynamic supply chain – faster,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “California is proud to work with the Biden-Harris Administration on this and other projects that enhance our state’s supply chain while flexing our power in global trade.”

“The groundbreaking of Pier B marks an important day for the future of Long Beach, signifying our dual commitment to both environmental and economic progress,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “This project will make our Port more economically competitive in the coming decades supporting 1 in 5 jobs in Long Beach, improve the health of residents, and create more than 1,100 quality union jobs through construction.”

Enhanced Information and User Experience for Customers who use FasTrak® Throughout California

California Toll Operators Launch New FasTrak Website

The California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC), a collaborative organization comprised of the state’s toll facility operators which includes the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), unveiled a redesigned website FasTrak.org to better serve the six million FasTrak accountholders as well as the millions of toll facilities’ customers throughout the state.

FasTrak is the electronic toll collection technology used by all tolling agencies in California. TCA holds the FasTrak trademark and license and works with partner agencies to promote the tolling system.

The FasTrak website, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each month, has been redesigned to give drivers throughout the state easier and faster access to information about each tolling facility and how to utilize the FasTrak electronic tolling system for every tolled bridge, lane and roadway in California. FasTrak technology allows drivers to pay tolls electronically and potentially qualify for discounts through various tolling agencies for interoperability throughout the state.

New features at FasTrak.org include:

  • Streamlined process for locating tolling agencies information for FasTrak specific policies and discounts, as well as rental car tolling options.
  • A refreshed look and user experience allowing customers to discover FasTrak throughout California with a robust section for frequently asked questions.
  • Detailed map of toll facilities and agency contact information delivered through a responsive design making it easier to navigate the website on a desktop, mobile device and tablet.

“The new FasTrak website provides users with an easy-to-navigate interface to accessible information on policies and discounts for tolled roads, lanes and bridges in California,” shared Silva Mardrussian, CTOC Communications Chair and Toll Customer Service Manager with Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC).

The new modern design and content within FasTrak.org simplifies tolling in California, giving customers information they need to benefit from using FasTrak to pay for tolls when traveling throughout the state.

“The enhanced website is an important tool to help us educate our customers about FasTrak and interoperability between tolling agencies, added Vincent Valdez, Chief Toll Officer for TCA and CTOC Executive Committee Member. “Interoperability provides customers with an added convenience when traveling to other regions and it’s something TCA is excited about exploring opportunities to expand upon.”

Tolling in California
The state is home to more than 870 lane miles of interoperable tolled bridges, lanes and roads for ease of traveling throughout California. These facilities are operated by twelve local agencies throughout the state. FasTrak is interoperable, meaning drivers only need one FasTrak account to access every tolled facility.

California was the first in the nation to require all its tolled bridges, lanes and roads use the same electronic tolling system (ETC) and in 1993, Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) was the first toll facility to utilize the system branding it FasTrak. TCA continues to hold the FasTrak trademark and license and works with partner agencies to promote the tolling system.

About CTOC
The California Toll Operators Committee (CTOC) is a collaborative organization composed of California’s toll facility operators/owners. CTOC is the primary resource for interoperability and coordination among tolling facilities, and education and advocacy regarding tolling in California. CTOC members communicate regularly on issues of interoperability; technology; operating policies’ customer service; the legislative, administrative and regulatory framework for tolling; and other issues regarding tolling in California.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are two joint powers authorities formed by the California Legislature in 1986 to plan, finance, construct and operate Orange County’s public toll road system comprised of the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads, which represents 20% of Orange County’s highway system.

Program Preview: 2024 Southern California Demographic Workshop 

Southern California population growth has slowed in the past decade, creating long-term effects for the region’s economic and cultural landscapes.

The program for SCAG’s 2024 Southern California Demographic Workshop will gather local leaders, elected officials, and demographic experts to discuss how changing population growth affects regional planning—from accommodating development to improving quality of life and cultivating the economy.

2024 Southern California Demographic Workshop Program 

Panel 1: Demographic Check-Up: The Numbers Behind the Current Growth Outlook

Panel 2: What Does the New Growth Reality Mean for Regions?

Panel 3: Evolving Southern California Neighborhoods

Keynote Address: Bill Fulton

Roundtables (available to in-person attendees only)

  • S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates and Projections
  • Population Estimates, Census Data, School Enrollment, and More: Getting to Know the Department or Finance Demographic Research Unit’s Data Hub
  • The Neighborhood Data for Social Change Platform

Registration is now open for the 35th Annual 2024 Southern California Demographic Workshop on Sept. 24, 2024, presented by SCAG and the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy at SCAG’s main office in Downtown Los Angeles with an online attendance option.